BERLINALE LINEUP REVEALED
Just before Berlin opens its 74th edition, Heretic is extremely proud to announce two new Berlinale titles in its lineup.
THE GREAT YAWN OF HISTORY
by Aliyar Rasti
The story of a man who dreams of a box of gold waiting for him at the end of a cave. Curbed by his religious belief that it’s not permissible to go after it himself, he employs the assistance of a non-believer. Together they embark on a long journey across the Iranian landscape in pursuit of a miracle. But their treasure hunt soon turns tempting also for those they meet along the way.
“From road trip to allegory, Aliyar’s poetic commentary hits in all the right places. It was an instant match for the Heretic slate and we can’t wait to get it out there.”
Rasti was born in 1988. Since 2008, he’s worked as a visual artist, engaging in photography, video and video installations. Over the course of a decade, he’s produced more than 10 music videos for independent Iranian bands, establishing himself as a prominent writer and director in the field. His debut short film, “In Between,” won the short film award at the Tehran International Short Film Festival and best debut short film at the Tirana International Film Festival.
Opening in Berlinale Encounters
22 / 02 / 2024
Screenings:
18.02.2024 21:15 CinemaxX 7 (Press Screening)
19.02.2024 10:45 CinemaxX 17 (Market Screening)
22.02.2024 12:30 Akademie der Künste (Premiere)
23.02.2024 19:30 International
24.02.2024 22:00 Cubix 7
25.02.2024 12:30 Colosseum 1
FARUK
by Asli Özge
A story of gentrification and father-daughter relationships, Faruk is the story of an old man who becomes the protagonist in the film his daughter is making about the impending demolition of his block of flats in Istanbul.
“Faruk speaks to us on a personal level, concealing a large story behind its unpretentious filmmaking. Its honesty and wit driven by a unique father figure hooked us from the first minute.”
The drama stars Özge’s own father Faruk and is shot in authentic locations and based on real characters and events, and intentionally blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction.
The Turkish-born, Berlin-based filmmaker told Screen the film, which was shot over seven years, is based on her father’s own experience of developers wanting to replace his block of flats in Istanbul. Cast using largely amateur actors, it follows Faruk attending building management meetings hoping to delay the demolition of the building he has been living in for decades.
Özge plays the director portrayed in the film but as a fictional version of herself.
Two of Özge’s films – All Of A Sudden (2016) and Lifelong (2013) – have previously debuted in Berlinale Panorama.
Her most recent film, suspense drama Black Box, premiered at Munich last year and also examined gentrification.
Faruk is produced through Germany’s EEE Films and The Post Republic, Turkey’s FC Istanbul and France’s Parallel 45.
Opening in Berlinale Panorama
17 / 02 / 2024
Screenings:
18.02. 2024 09:30, CinemaxX 17 Market Screening
21.02. 2024 15:00, Virtual Cinema 1 Market Screening (Online)
17.02.2024 19:00, Haus der Berliner Festspiele (Premiere)
18.02.2024 22:00, Zoo Palast 2
19.02.2024 21:30, Cubix 5
20.02.2024 18:30, Cubix 9
25.02.2024 18:45, Cubix 5
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